Method for synthesizing of thioesters by using compound as catalyst

ABSTRACT

A method for synthesizing of thioesters by using a compound as a catalyst is disclosed. The compound is represented by formula I below: 
                         
In formula I, R 5  represents H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; X and Y each independently represents one of H, C 1-10  alkyl, C 5-10  aryl, C 1-10  alkyl alcohol, thiohydroxy, carbonyl, sulfonyl, sulfamoyl, carbamoyl, C 1-10  alkoxycarbonyl, C 1-10  alkoxycarbamoyl, C 1-10  alkylamino, C 1-10  alkylsulfonyl, C 1-10  haloalkylsulfonyl, ureido, amido, and C 1-10  alkoxylcarbamoyl; and n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

FIELD

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Taiwan Patent Application No. 104116575, filed on May 22, 2015, in the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

A method for synthesizing of thioesters is disclosed, and more particularly, a method for synthesizing of thioesters by using a compound as a catalyst is disclosed.

BACKGROUND

The thioesters are chemical substances formed by covalently bonding a sulfur atom to a acyl group, which is provided with a general formula as follows:

The thioesters are abundantly present in natural compounds, and are intermediate products during the hydrolysis or synthesis of ATP. The thioesters are required for forming all the ester bonds (including lipids). These substances are involved in the intracellular synthesis of a variety of materials, including peptides, fatty acids, steroids, terpenes, porphyrins, etc. The thioesters are also building blocks useful for organic synthesis and chemical synthesis of proteins. For example, the thioesters may be used to synthesize the thioesters with more complex structure, multi-substituted alkenes, thioethers, thiophene compounds and to react with amine compounds. The thioesters are also used as activated carboxylic acids and as acyl transfer agents for various nucleophiles.

Due to the unique structure of the thioesters, some thioesters possess biological activities and medicinal potential. For example, compound A as follows is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drug and compound B as follows may be used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Currently, the method in preparation of thioesters includes: (1) an esterification reaction between a carboxylic acid and a thiol; (2) a catalyzed transesterification reaction between a β-ketoester and a thiol; (3) a nucleophilic reaction between a cyclopropane derivative and a thiophenol; (4) carbonylation of allyl alcohol, propargyl alcohol, or diene and thiophenol; (5) carbonylation of a thioether. All of the methods mentioned above involve using a thiol, a thioether, or a thiophenol with a pungent smell.

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there is also a method for synthesizing of thioesters by using a thiourea instead of a thiol, a thioether, or a thiophenol with a pungent smell. The reaction scheme of the method is shown below. However, in addition to a thiourea, acyl halides, and organic halide, a surfactant and a base, such as K₂CO₃, NaOH, and the like, are further required for the method to obtain a thioester in higher yields.

Compared to the method mentioned above, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing of thioesters by a thiourea without a pungent smell, and free of activating agent.

SUMMARY

In view of the above problems, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a use of a compound as a catalyst and a method for synthesizing of thioesters. Compared to the conventional methods, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing of thioesters by using a catalyst, without activating the carboxylic acids. On top of that, the provided method is a one-pot synthesis under mild conditions while free of activating agent and base.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of synthesizing thioester, using a compound as a catalyst. The compound is represented by Formula (A) below:

wherein, in Formula (A), R⁵ may represent H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; R¹¹ may be independently selected from a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆₀ alkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₆₀ alkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₆-C₆₀ arylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₆₀ heteroarylene, a substituted or unsubstituted divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic, a substituted or unsubstituted divalent non-aromatic condensed heteropolycyclic, —COO—, —O—, —(C═O)—, —N═N—, C═N—, —N—, —N(Q₁₁)(Q₁₂)-, —S—, —S(Q₁₃)(Q₁₄)-, —S(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂— (Q₁₁ to Q₁₄ may be each independently a hydrogen, a deuterium, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, an amino, an amidino, a hydrazine, a hydrazone, a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof, a phosphoric acid group or a salt thereof, a C₁-C₆₀ alkyl, a C₂-C₆₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₆₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₆₀ alkoxy, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenyl, a C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkenyl, a C₆-C₆₀ aryl, a C₁-C₆₀ heteroaryl, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, or a monovalent non-aromatic condensed heteropolycyclic group); R¹² may be independently selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₄ alkylamino, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and a substituted or unsubstituted C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl; and a may be an integer selected from 0 to 10.

The compound represented by Formula (A) may be represented by Formula I below:

-   -   wherein, in Formula I, R⁵ may represent H, a substituted or         unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a         substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; X and Y each         independently may represent one of H, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl,         C₁₋₁₀ alkyl alcohol, thiohydroxy, carbonyl, sulfonyl, sulfamoyl,         carbamoyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxycarbamoyl, C₁₋₁₀         alkylamino, C₁₋₁₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₁₀ haloalkylsulfonyl,         ureido, amido, and C₁₋₁₀ alkoxylcarbamoyl; and n may be 0, 1, 2,         3, 4 or 5.

One or more substituents of the substituted alkyl, the substituted aryl, the substituted heteroaryl, the substituted C₁-C₆₀ alkylene, the substituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, the substituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkylene, the substituted C₂-C₆₀ alkenylene, the substituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenylene, the substituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkenylene, the substituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, the substituted C₆-C₆₀ arylene, the substituted C₂-C₆₀ heteroarylene, the substituted divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, the substituted divalent non-aromatic condensed heteropolycyclic group, the substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, the substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, the substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, the substituted C₁₋₄ alkylamino, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, the substituted C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, and the substituted C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl may be selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an         amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a         C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl         alcohol, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylamino,         C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl,         C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₄₋₉         cycloalkyl, C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl.

R⁵ in Formula I may represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, a substituted or unsubstituted thienyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted pyridinyl; One of X and Y may be H and another may be a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and n may be 2.

R⁵ in Formula I may represent a phenyl, One of X and Y may be H and another may be methyl; and n may be 2.

The method may include Reaction Scheme 1 shown below:

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be one group selected from the group consisting of H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein the catalyst in Reaction Scheme 1 may be a compound represented by Formula I.

One or more substituents of the substituted alkyl, the substituted alkoxy, the substituted aryl, and the substituted heteroaryl may be selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an         amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a         C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl         alcohol, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylamino,         C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl,         C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₄₋₉         cycloalkyl, C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl.     -   R¹ may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a         substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R² may represent a         substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or         unsubstituted alkoxy, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl;         and R³ and R⁴ may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl         or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

The molar ratio of compound 1:compound 2:compound 3:catalyst is 1-1.5:1-1.5:1-1.5:0.1-0.5.

The solvent used in Reaction Scheme 1 may be a polar aprotic solvent.

The polar aprotic solvent may include one selected from the group consisting of CH₂Cl₂, toluene, dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methanol (MeOH) or any combination thereof.

The method may include Reaction Scheme 2 shown below:

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is each independently selected from one of the group consisting of H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and the catalyst in Reaction Scheme 2 is the compound represented by Formula I.

One or more substituents of the substituted alkyl, the substituted alkoxy, the substituted aryl, and the substituted heteroaryl may be selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an         amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a         C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl         alcohol, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylamino,         C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl,         C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₄₋₉         cycloalkyl, C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl.

R¹ may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R² may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and R³ and R⁴ may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

Compound 6 used in Reaction Scheme 2 is synthesized by Reaction Scheme 3 below:

wherein R², R³, and R⁴ are defined as above.

In summary, by using the compound represented by Formula I as a catalyst, a new method for synthesizing of thioesters may be provided. The method may prepare the thioesters by a one-pot synthesis under mild conditions, without using a thiol, a thioether, or a thiophenol with a pungent smell and activating agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 4.

FIG. 2 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 4.

FIG. 3 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5a.

FIG. 4 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5a.

FIG. 5 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ba.

FIG. 6 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ba.

FIG. 7 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ca.

FIG. 8 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ca.

FIG. 9 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5da.

FIG. 10 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5da.

FIG. 11 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ea.

FIG. 12 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ea.

FIG. 13 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5fa.

FIG. 14 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5fa.

FIG. 15 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ga.

FIG. 16 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ga.

FIG. 17 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ha.

FIG. 18 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ha.

FIG. 19 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ia.

FIG. 20 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ia.

FIG. 21 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ja.

FIG. 22 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ja.

FIG. 23 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ka.

FIG. 24 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ka.

FIG. 25 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5la.

FIG. 26 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5la.

FIG. 27 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ma.

FIG. 28 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ma.

FIG. 29 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 6.

FIG. 30 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 6.

FIG. 31 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ab.

FIG. 32 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ab.

FIG. 33 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ac.

FIG. 34 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ac.

FIG. 35 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ad.

FIG. 36 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ad.

FIG. 37 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ae.

FIG. 38 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ae.

FIG. 39 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5lc.

FIG. 40 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5lc.

FIG. 41 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5mc.

FIG. 42 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5mc.

FIG. 43 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5nd.

FIG. 44 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5nd.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of an illuminating system and a method thereof.

Those of ordinary skilled in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the exemplary embodiment(s) as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of synthesizing thioester, by using a compound as a catalyst. The compound is represented by Formula (A) below:

wherein, in Formula (A), R⁵ may represent H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; R¹¹ may be a divalent linking group, for example, R¹¹ may be independently selected from a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆₀ alkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₆₀ alkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₆-C₆₀ arylene, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₆₀ heteroarylene, a substituted or unsubstituted divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic, a substituted or unsubstituted divalent non-aromatic condensed heteropolycyclic, —COO—, —O—, —(C═O)—, —N═N—, C═N—, —N—, —N(Q₁₁)(Q₁₂)-, —S—, —S(Q₁₃)(Q₁₄)-, —S(═O)—, or —S(═O)₂— (Q₁₁ to Q₁₄ may be each independently a hydrogen, a deuterium, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, an amino, an amidino, a hydrazine, a hydrazone, a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof, a phosphoric acid group or a salt thereof, a C₁-C₆₀ alkyl, a C₂-C₆₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₆₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₆₀ alkoxy, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenyl, a C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkenyl, a C₆-C₆₀ aryl, a C₁-C₆₀ heteroaryl, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, or a monovalent non-aromatic condensed heteropolycyclic group); R¹² may be independently selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₄ alkylamino, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and a substituted or unsubstituted C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl; and a may be an integer selected from 0 to 10.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the compound represented by Formula (A) may be represented by Formula I below:

In one embodiment, R⁵ in Formula I may represent H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; X and Y each independently represents one of H, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl alcohol, thiohydroxy, carbonyl, sulfonyl, sulfamoyl, carbamoyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxycarbamoyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkylamino, C₁₋₁₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₁₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, ureido, amido, and C₁₋₁₀ alkoxylcarbamoyl; and n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Substituents of the substituted alkyl, the substituted aryl, the substituted heteroaryl, the substituted C₁-C₆₀ alkylene, the substituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, the substituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkylene, the substituted C₂-C₆₀ alkenylene, the substituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenylene, the substituted C₂-C₁₀ heterocycloalkenylene, the substituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, the substituted C₆-C₆₀ arylene, the substituted C₂-C₆₀ heteroarylene, the substituted divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, the substituted divalent non-aromatic condensed heteropolycyclic group, the substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, the substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, the substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, the substituted C₁₋₄ alkylamino, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, the substituted C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, the substituted C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, and the substituted C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylamino, C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl.

In another embodiment, R⁵ in Formula I may represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, a substituted or unsubstituted thienyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted pyridinyl; One of X and Y may be H and another may be a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and n may be 2.

In yet another embodiment, R⁵ in Formula I may represent a phenyl, One of X and Y may be H and another may be methyl; and n may be 2.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for synthesizing of thioesters is provided, the thioesters are synthesized by using a compound represented by Formula 1 as a catalyst, the method includes the process shown in Reaction Scheme 1 below:

When monitoring the process by ¹H NMR, the formation and the reduction, accompanied by the formation of the final product, of an intermediate product may be detected.

According to the formation of the intermediate product detected above, a method for synthesizing of thioesters is provided. The method includes the process shown in Reaction Scheme 2 below:

Compound 6 in Reaction Scheme 2 is the intermediate product detected in Reaction Scheme 1, when Reaction Scheme 1 is monitored by ¹H NMR. Compound 6 may be otherwise synthesized by Reaction Scheme 3 below, which is an addition reaction between compound 2 and compound 3:

According to embodiments of the present invention, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ in Reaction Scheme 1, Reaction Scheme 2, and Reaction Scheme 3 may be each independently selected from one of the group consisting of H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

Substituents of the substituted alkyl, the substituted alkoxy, and the substituted heteroaryl may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylamino, C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl.

In an embodiment, R¹ of compound 1 may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R² of compound 2 may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R³ and R⁴ of compound 3 may each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and R², R³, and R⁴ of compound 6 may be based on R², R³, and R⁴ of compound 2 and compound 3 used in Reaction Scheme 3.

In an embodiment, R¹ of compound 1 may represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R² of compound 2 may represent a methyl, a phenyl, and an ethoxy; R³ and R⁴ of compound 3 may each independently represent phenyl and methyl.

In an embodiment, compound 1 may be a carboxylic acid compound, such as acetic acid, benzoic acid, (S)-3-phenyl-2-propionamidopropanoic acid, 3,4-dimethyl benzoic acid, 2,6-dimethyl benzoic acid, o-toluic acid, 4-methoxy benzoic acid, 4-nitro benzoic acid, 2-iodo benzoic acid, 1-naphthoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, 4-methoxyphenyl acetic acid, 2-(t-butoxycarbonyl amino)-3-phenyl-propionic acid, 4-chloro-1-naphthoic acid, propionic acid, isovaleric acid, dimethylfumarate, and the like, but is not limited thereto. In a preferred embodiment, compound 1 is benzoic acid, o-toluic acid, 3,4-dimethyl benzoic acid, 2,6-dimethyl benzoic acid, 4-methoxy benzoic acid, 2-iodo benzoic acid, 1-naphthoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, 4-methoxyphenyl acetic acid, propionic acid, isovaleric acid, dimethylfumarate, or (S)-3-phenyl-2-propionamidopropanoic acid.

In an embodiment, compound 2 may be a α,β-unsaturated esters or ketones used as a Michael acceptor in Michael Addition reaction, such as ethylacrylate, methylacrylate, phenyl vinyl ketone, dimethylfumarate, 1-phenyl-2-en-1-one, butenone, naphthoic acid, 4-chloro-1-naphthoic acid, phenyl vinyl ketone, pent-1-en-3-one, and the like, but is not limited thereto. In a preferred embodiment, compound 2 is ethylacrylate, methylacrylate, dimethylfumarate, vinyl phenyl ketone, pent-1-en-3-one or 1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one.

In an embodiment, compound 3 may be a thiourea compound, such as N,N′-diphenylthiourea, N,N′-dimethylthiourea, N-methyl-N′-phenylthiourea, α-naphthylthiourea, and the like, but is not limited thereto. In a preferred embodiment, compound 3 is N,N′-diphenylthiourea.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the solvent used in Reaction Scheme 1 may be a polar aprotic solvent. The example of the polar aprotic solvent include, but not limited to, CH₂Cl₂, toluene, dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methanol (MeOH) and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the polar aprotic solvent is CH₂Cl₂ or toluene. The reaction temperature in the process of Reaction Scheme 1 may be varied according to the solvent with different boil point which is used in Reaction Scheme 1. When the solvent with higher boil point is used, it allows Reaction Scheme 1 to progress in a condition with higher temperature. The reaction time of Reaction Scheme 1 may be shortened by raising the reaction temperature in the process of Reaction Scheme 1.

According to embodiments of the present invention, in Reaction Scheme 1, the molar ratio of compound 1:compound 2:compound 3:catalyst is 1-1.5:1-1.5:1-1.5:0.1-0.5. The thioesters are obtained in a poor yield, when the molar ratio of lower than 0.1.

In Reaction Scheme 1, in the presence of a catalyst, a thioester compound may be synthesized by a carboxylic acid compound, an α,β-unsaturated esters or ketones which is a Michael acceptor, and a thiourea compound, at the temperature range from about 40° C. to 90° C. for about 10 hours to about 48 hours, by using the thiourea compound as a dual role reagent, the 2° amine base and the source of the sulfur.

Compound 1 and the catalyst used in Reaction Scheme 2 may be same as which in Reaction Scheme 1. Therefore, the definition of compound 1 and the catalyst are omitted. The solvent used in Reaction Scheme 2 may be the same as that in Reaction Scheme 1 as well. Therefore, the description of the solvent is omitted.

In Reaction Scheme 2, a thioester compound may be synthesized by compound 6, compound 2, and the catalyst. The thioester compound may be synthesized by Reaction Scheme 2 at the temperature range from about 20° C. to 110° C. for about 12 h to about 48 h, when the molar ratio of compound 2:compound 6:catalyst is 1-1.5:1-1.5:0.1-0.5.

Compound 6 used in Reaction Scheme 2 may be synthesized by Reaction Scheme 3, which is an addition reaction between compound 2 and compound 3. The solvent used in Reaction Scheme 3 may be same as which in Reaction Scheme 1 and Reaction Scheme 2. Compound 6 may be synthesized by Reaction Scheme 3 at the temperature range from about 20° C. to 110° C. for about 12 h to about 48 h, when the molar ratio of compound 2:compound 3 is 1-1.5:1-1.5.

The following is the examples of synthesizing compounds represented by Formula I, which may be used as a catalyst, according to the present invention.

The Synthesis of Compound 4

Triethylamine (328.3 mg, 3.24 mmol) was added to a solution of N-methylethane-1,2-diamine (15.2 mg, 3.24 mmol), and phenylisothiocyanate (438.5 mg, 3.24 mmol) in THF (0.5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 18 h, and then the excess solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂:MeOH/EtOAc, 1:4; R_(f) 0.35) to give the compound 4 which is 1-(2-(Methylamino)ethyl)-3-phenylthiourea (549.5 mg, 2.62 mmol, 81%), as a white solid. FIG. 1 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 4, and FIG. 2 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 4.

Mp 161.0-163.0° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.33-7.32 (m, 4H), 7.21-7.18 (m, 1H), 7.09 (s, 1H), 4.39 (s, 1H), 3.65 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 1H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 184.1, 140.9, 129.1, 123.3, 122.8, 49.5, 40.4, 32.6; HRMS (ESI⁻) calcd for [M−H]⁻ (C₁₀H₁₄N₃S) 208.0908. found 208.0909.

The following are examples of the thioesters, which is synthesized according to Reaction Scheme 1 of the present invention, by using compound 4 prepared above as a catalyst.

Example 1

42.3 mg of compound 4 (0.20 mmol, 20 mol %) used as a catalyst was added to a solution of 184.4 mg of benzoic acid (1.51 mmol, 1.5 equiv), 100.9 mg of ethylacrylate (1.01 mmol, 1.0 equiv), and 344.7 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.51 mmol, 1.5 equiv) in toluene (5.0 mL). The reaction was heated in an oil bath (80° C.) for 24 h, and then the excess solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.76), and 131.2 mg of compound 5a (0.55 mmol, 55%), which is ethyl 3-(benzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography. FIG. 3 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5a, and FIG. 4 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5a.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.93 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 4.18 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.69 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.21 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 191.5, 171.7, 136.7, 133.4, 128.6, 127.2, 60.7, 34.4, 24.0, 14.1; IR (neat) 2981 (m), 2360 (m), 1735 (s), 1664 (s), 1207 (s), 912 (s), 690 (s) cm¹; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+Na]⁺ (C₁₂F₁₄O₃NaS) 261.0561. found 261.0556.

Example 2

154.5 mg of compound 5ba (0.61 mmol, 60%), which is ethyl 3-(2-methylbenzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.78) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that o-toluic acid (208.3 mg, 1.53 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 102.5 mg of ethylacrylate (1.03 mmol), and 349.3 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.53 mmol) were used. FIG. 5 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ba, and FIG. 6 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ba.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.74 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.22-7.18 (m, 2H), 4.18 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.25 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.69 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.24 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 191.7, 171.7, 137.2, 136.8, 131.7, 131.6, 128.4, 125.7, 60.7, 34.5, 24.6, 20.5, 14.2; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₃H₁₇O₃S) 253.0898. found 253.0895.

Example 3

139.2 mg of compound 5ca (0.52 mmol, 55%), which is ethyl 3-(3,4-dimethylbenzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.72) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that 3,4-dimethyl benzoic acid (214.1 mg, 1.42 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 95.3 mg of ethylacrylate (0.951 mmol), and 325.6 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.42 mmol) were used. FIG. 7 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ca, and FIG. 8 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ca.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.68-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.16 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.68 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 6H), 1.23 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 191.2, 171.7, 143.0, 136.9, 134.6, 129.7, 128.2, 124.8, 60.6, 34.5, 23.8, 19.9, 19.6, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₄H₁₉O₃S) 267.1055. found 267.1057.

Example 4

138.5 mg of compound 5da (0.52 mmol, 52%), which is ethyl 3-(2,6-dimethylbenzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.72) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that 2,6-dimethyl benzoic acid (226.7 mg, 1.51 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 101.2 mg of ethylacrylate (1.01 mmol), and 344.7 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.51 mmol) were used. FIG. 9 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5da, and FIG. 10 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5da.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.16 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 4.19 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.73 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.28 (s, 6H), 1.25 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 197.2, 171.5, 139.9, 133.6, 129.4, 127.6, 60.8, 34.4, 24.6, 18.9, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₄H₁₉O₃S) 267.1055. found 267.1059.

Example 5

85.5 mg of compound 5ea (0.32 mmol, 62%), which is ethyl 3-(4-methoxybenzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a light yellow oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.75) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that 4-methoxy benzoic acid (117.7 mg, 0.77 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 51.7 mg of ethylacrylate (0.52 mmol), 176.7 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.77 mmol) in 2.5 mL of toluene were used. FIG. 11 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ea, and FIG. 12 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ea.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.91 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 4.16 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.25 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 189.8, 171.6, 163.0, 129.2, 113.6, 112.9, 60.5, 55.3, 34.5, 23.7, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₄H₁₉O₃S) 291.0667. found 291.0675.

Example 6

117.3 mg of compound 5fa (0.41 mmol, 41%), which is ethyl 3-(4-nitrobenzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a light yellow oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.78) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that 4-nitro benzoic acid (252.3 mg, 1.51 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 100.9 mg of ethylacrylate (1.01 mmol), 344.7 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.51 mmol) and 41.8 mg of compound 4 (0.20 mmol) in toluene (5.0 mL) were used. FIG. 13 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5fa, and FIG. 14 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5fa.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.26 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 4.17 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.32 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 190.0, 171.3, 150.4, 141.2, 128.8, 123.7, 60.8, 34.0, 24.4, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₂H₁₄O₅NS) 284.0593. found 284.0586.

Example 7

57.1 mg of compound 5ga (0.157 mmol, 30%), which is ethyl 3-(2-iodobenzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a light yellow oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.72) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that 2-iodo benzoic acid (194.7 mg, 0.78 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 52.4 mg of ethylacrylate (0.52 mmol), 179.2 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.78 mmol) and 21.9 mg of compound 4 (0.10 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL) were used. FIG. 15 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ga, and FIG. 16 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ga.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.92 (dd, J=7.8 Hz, J=0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (dt, J=7.8 Hz, J=0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (dt, J=7.8 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.32 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 193.7, 171.5, 142.3, 140.8, 132.3, 128.7, 127.9, 91.2, 60.8, 34.1, 25.1, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₂H₁₄O₃SI) 364.9708. found 364.9701.

Example 8

39.5 mg of compound 4 (0.19 mmol, 20 mol %) was added as a catalyst to a solution of 1-naphthoic acid (237.2 mg, 1.38 mmol), ethylacrylate (95.1 mg, 0.95 mmol), and N,N′-diphenylthiourea (314.6 mg, 1.38 mmol) in toluene (5.0 mL). The reaction was heated in an oil bath (80° C.) for 48 h, and then the excess solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.72), and 125.5 mg of compound 5ha (0.43 mmol, 46%), which is ethyl 3-(1-naphthoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a light yellow oil after column chromatography. FIG. 17 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ha, and FIG. 18 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ha.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.51 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.42 (m, 3H), 4.21 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.36 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 193.7, 171.6, 135.0, 133.6, 132.9, 129.1, 128.2, 127.9, 127.6, 125.1, 124.3, 60.7, 34.4, 24.8, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₆H₁₇O₃S) 289.0898. found 289.0901.

147.5 mg of compound 5ia (0.51 mmol, 52%), which is ethyl 3-(2-naphthoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a light yellow oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.72) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 8, except that 2-naphthoicacid (254.1 mg, 1.47 mmol) was used instead of 1-naphthoic acid, and 98.6 mg of ethylacrylate (0.98 mmol), 336.4 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.78 mmol) and 41.8 mg of compound 4 (0.20 mmol) in toluene (5.0 mL) were used. FIG. 19 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ia, and FIG. 20 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ia.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 7.97-7.92 (m, 2H), 7.87-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.52 (m, 2H), 4.21 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.74 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 191.4, 171.7, 135.7, 134.1, 132.3, 129.5, 129.2, 128.6, 128.4, 127.7, 126.9, 123.0, 60.7, 34.5, 24.1, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₆H₁₇O₃S) 289.0898. found 289.0896.

Example 10

171.5 mg of compound 5ja (0.61 mmol, 58%), which is ethyl 3-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:4; R_(f) 0.70) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 8, except that 4-methoxyphenyl acetic acid (260.8 mg, 1.57 mmol) was used instead of 1-naphthoic acid, and 105.8 mg of ethylacrylate (1.05 mmol), 358.4 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.57 mmol) and 43.9 mg of compound 4 (0.21 mmol) in toluene (5.0 mL) were used. FIG. 21 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ja, and FIG. 22 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ja.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.15 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.12 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (s, 1H), 3.71 (s, 1H), 3.05 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.20 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 197.4, 171.4, 158.8, 130.5, 128.8, 113.9, 60.5, 55.1, 49.3, 34.1, 24.1, 14.0; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₆H₁₇O₃S) 283.1004. found 283.1013.

Example 11

77.5 mg of compound 5ka (0.20 mmol, 40%), which is (5)-ethyl 3-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-phenylpropanoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.76) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 8, except that 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (203.2 mg, 0.76 mmol) was used instead of 1-naphthoic acid, and 51.2 mg of ethylacrylate (0.511 mmol), 174.8 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.76 mmol) and 21.3 mg of compound 4 (0.10 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL) were used. FIG. 23 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ka, and FIG. 24 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ka.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.28-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.14 (dd, J=7.8 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 4.86 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.61-4.58 (m, 1H), 4.16 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.11-3.06 (m, 4H), 2.56 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (s, 9H), 1.24 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 200.7, 171.6, 154.8, 135.5, 129.1, 128.6, 127.1, 80.4, 60.7, 38.3, 34.1, 29.6, 28.2, 23.9, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₉H₂₈NO₅S) 382.1688. found 382.1685.

Example 12

24.8 mg of compound 5la (0.13 mmol, 25%), which is ethyl 3-(propionylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.82) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that propionic acid (58.1 mg, 0.78 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 52.4 mg of ethylacrylate (0.52 mmol), 178.9 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.78 mmol) and 21.9 mg of compound 4 (0.10 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL) were used. FIG. 25 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5la, and FIG. 26 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5la.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.14 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.59-2.49 (m, 4H), 1.22 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.13 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 199.8, 171.6, 70.6, 37.2, 34.4, 23.7, 14.1, 9.5; HRMS (FAB⁺) calcd for [M]⁺ (C₈H₁₄O₃S) 190.0664. found 190.0659.

Example 13

43.1 mg of compound 5ma (0.20 mmol, 40%), which is ethyl 3-(3-methylbutanoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.80) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that isovaleric acid (76.7 mg, 0.75 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 50.9 mg of ethylacrylate (0.50 mmol), 171.5 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.75 mmol) and 20.9 mg of compound 4 (0.10 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL) were used.

When monitoring Example 13 by ¹H NMR, an intermediate product may be detected, and the intermediate product was reached the highest concentration in 6 hr. Then, the formation of compound 5ma was detected and accompanied with the decreasing of the intermediate product. The intermediate product may be presented by Formula 6 below. FIG. 27 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ma, and FIG. 28 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ma.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.12 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.05 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.55 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.16 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.11-2.02 (m, 1H), 1.20 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 0.90 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 201.5, 171.5, 60.6, 52.7, 34.4, 26.3, 23.8, 22.1, 14.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₀H₁₉O₃S) 219.1055. found 219.1055.

FIG. 29 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 6, and FIG. 30 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 6.

Mp104.0-105.0° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.90-7.89 (m, 3H), 7.53-7.41 (m, 5H), 7.19-7.15 (m, 3H), 6.74-6.64 (m, 4H), 3.61 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.27 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 199.1, 147.3, 136.6, 133.2, 129.5, 129.2, 128.5, 127.9, 117.8, 113.2, 38.8, 37.4; HRMS (FAB⁺) calcd for [M]⁺ (C₂₂H₂₀N₂OS) 360.1296. found 360.1293.

Example 14

68.5 mg of compound 5ab (0.31 mmol, 51%), which is methyl 3-(benzoylthio)propanoate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.75) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that methylacrylate (51.8 mg, 0.60 mmol) was used instead of ethylacrylate, and 110.1 mg of benzoic acid (0.90 mmol), 205.7 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.90 mmol) and 25.1 mg of compound 4 (0.12 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL) were used. FIG. 31 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ab, and FIG. 32 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ab.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.92 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.28 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 191.4, 172.1, 136.6, 133.4, 128.5, 127.1, 51.8, 34.1, 23.9; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₁H₁₃O₃S) 225.0585. found 225.0582.

Example 15

18.8 mg of compound 4 (0.09 mmol) used as a catalyst was added to a solution of benzoic acid (83.6 mg, 0.68 mmol), phenyl vinyl ketone (60.5 mg, 0.46 mmol), and N,N′-diphenylthiourea (156.4 mg, 0.68 mmol) in dicholomethane (2.5 mL). The reaction was heated in an oil bath (40° C.) for 48 h, and then the excess solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.74), and 76.5 mg of compound 5ac (0.28 mmol, 62%), which is S-3-oxo-3-phenylpropyl benzothioate, was isolated as a colorless solid after column chromatography. FIG. 33 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ac, and FIG. 34 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ac.

Mp 48.0-49.0° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.96-7.92 (m, 4H), 7.56-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.38 (m, 4H), 3.47-3.37 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 197.8, 192.0, 136.8, 136.2, 133.4, 133.3, 128.6, 128.5, 127.9, 127.1, 38.6, 23.2; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₆H₁₅O₂S) 271.0793. found 271.0791.

Example 16

112.9 mg of compound 5ad (0.51 mmol, 42%), which is S-3-oxopentyl benzothioate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.78) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 15, except that pent-1-en-3-one (101.6 mg, 1.21 mmol) was used instead of phenyl vinyl ketone, and 221.1 mg of benzoic acid (1.81 mmol), 413.2 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.81 mmol) and 50.2 mg of compound 4 (0.24 mmol) in dichloromethane (5.0 mL) were used. FIG. 35 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ad, and FIG. 36 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ad.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.93 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=0.6 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (dt, J=7.8 Hz, J=0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 209.1, 191.9, 136.8, 133.3, 128.5, 127.1, 42.0, 35.9, 22.8, 7.6; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₂H₁₅O₂S) 223.0793. found 223.0790.

Example 17

131.2 mg of compound 5ae (0.55 mmol, 55%), which is dimethyl 2-(benzoylthio)succinate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.75) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 8, except that dimethylfumarate (100.4 mg, 0.69 mmol) was used instead of ethylacrylate, benzoic acid (127.5 mg, 1.04 mmol) was used instead of 1-naphthoic acid, and 237.4 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (1.04 mmol) and 29.3 mg of compound 4 (0.14 mmol) in toluene (5.0 mL) were used. FIG. 37 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5ae, and FIG. 38 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5ae.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.94 (dd, J=7.8 Hz, J=0.9 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (dt, J=7.5 Hz, J=0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (dt, J=7.8 Hz, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 4.78-4.74 (m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.13-2.92 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 189.2, 170.9, 170.9, 135.8, 134.0, 128.7, 127.4, 53.1, 51.9, 41.0, 36.8, 29.8; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₃H₁₅O₅S) 283.0640. found 283.0638.

Example 18

38.2 mg of compound 5lc (0.17 mmol, 45%), which is S-3-oxo-3-phenylpropyl propanethioate, was isolated as a colorless oil after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.75) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 15, except that 1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (50.8 mg, 0.38 mmol) was used instead of phenyl vinyl ketone, propionic acid (42.6 mg, 0.57 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 131.5 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.57 mmol) and 24.1 mg of compound 4 (0.11 mmol) in dichloromethane (2.5 mL) were used. FIG. 39 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5lc, and FIG. 40 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5lc.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.94 (dd, J=7.2 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (dt, J=7.2 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dt, J=7.2 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 3.32-3.19 (m, 4H), 2.58 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.15 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 200.5, 197.9, 136.4, 133.3, 128.6, 128.0, 38.7, 37.3, 23.1, 9.5; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₂H₁₅O₂S) 223.0793. found 223.0789.

Example 19

63.1 mg of compound 5mc (0.25 mmol, 66%), which is S-3-oxo-3-phenylpropyl 3-methylbutanethioate, was isolated as a colorless solid after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.76) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 1, except that 1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (50.2 mg, 0.38 mmol) was used instead of ethylacrylate, isovaleric acid (58.1 mg, 0.57 mmol) was used instead of benzoic acid, and 129.6 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.57 mmol) and 23.8 mg of compound 4 (0.11 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL) were used.

Mp 44.0-45.0° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.92 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 3.28-3.18 (m, 4H), 2.39 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.16-2.07 (m, 1H), 1.15 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 199.1, 197.8, 136.3, 133.2, 128.5, 127.9, 52.6, 38.6, 26.3, 23.1, 22.1; HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+H]⁺ (C₁₄H₁₉O₂S) 251.1106. found 251.1102.

Example 20

64.5 mg of compound 5nd (0.20 mmol, 34%), which is (S)—S-3-Oxopentyl 3-phenyl-2-propionamidopropanethioate, was isolated as a colorless solid after column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 2:1; R_(f) 0.33) in the same (or substantially the same) manner as in Example 8, except that 1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (49.6 mg, 0.59 mmol) was used instead of ethylacrylate, (S)-3-phenyl-2-propionamidopropanoic acid (194.7 mg, 0.88 mmol) was used instead of 1-naphthoic acid, and 200.9 mg of N,N′-diphenylthiourea (0.88 mmol) and 25.2 mg of compound 4 (0.12 mmol) in toluene (2.0 mL) were used. FIG. 43 shows ¹H NMR spectrum for compound 5nd, and FIG. 44 shows ¹³C NMR spectrum for compound 5nd.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.39-7.34 (m, 5H), 6.65 (br, 1H), 4.97-4.89 (m, 1H), 3.11-2.97 (m, 2H), 2.68 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.21-2.14 (m, 4H), 1.09-1.01 (m, 6H); HRMS (ESI⁺) calcd for [M+Na]⁺ (C17H23NO3SNa) 344.1296. found 344.1290.

The following are examples of synthesizing the thioesters according to Reaction Scheme 2 of the present invention, by using compound 4 prepared above as a catalyst.

Example 21 Synthesis of Compound 6

N,N′-diphenylthiourea (26.2 mg, 0.115 mmol) was added to a solution of 1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (15.2 mg, 0.115 mmol) in toluene (0.5 mL). The reaction was heated in an oil bath (80° C.) for 5 h, and then the excess solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:4; R_(f) 0.62) to give the compound 6 (29.5 mg, 0.081 mmol, 71%) as a yellow solid. Compound 6 is the same as the compound 6 detected as an intermediate in the synthesis of compound 5ma of Example 13 by ¹H NMR, therefore, the description of compound 6 is omitted.

Synthesis of Thioester

4.8 mg of compound 4 (0.023 mmol), used as a catalyst, and 11.7 mg isovaleric acid (0.115 mmol) were added to a solution of compound 6 (26.2 mg, 0.115 mmol) in toluene (0.5 mL). The reaction was heated at 80° C. for 16 h. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂:EtOAc/n-hexane, 1:5; R_(f) 0.76), and 21.6 mg of compound 5mc (0.086 mmol, 75%) was obtained as a colorless solid. The compound 5mc is the same as the compound in Example 19, therefore, the description of compound 5mc is omitted.

The carboxylic acid, the Michael acceptor, and the thioester compounds synthesized in Examples 1 to 20 and comparative example 1 are shown in table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Thioesterification of Carboxylic Acids^(a)) Carboxylic acid Michael acceptor thioester yield (%)^(b)) EXP. 1

80 (55) EXP. 2

2a

84 (60) EXP. 3

2a

72 (55) EXP. 4

2a

68 (52) EXP. 5

2a

81 (62) EXP. 6

2a

60 (41) EXP. 7

2a

52 (30) EXP. 8^(c))

2a

70 (46) EXP. 9^(c))

2a

75 (52) EXP. 10^(c))

2a

80 (58) EXP. 11^(c))

2a

65 (40) EXP. 12 CH₃CH₂CO₂H 1l 2a

50 (25) EXP. 13

2a

64 (40) EXP. 14

75 (51) EXP. 15^(d)) 1a

85 (62) EXP. 16^(d)) 1a

60 (42) EXP. 17^(c)) la

46 (20) EXP. 18^(d)) 1l 2c

70 (45) EXP. 19 1m 2c

85 (66) EXP. 20

2d

55 (35) ^(a))reaction conducted in toluene, 80° C., 24 h, N,N′-diphenylthiourea was applied. ^(b))yield determined by 1H NMR; isolated yields shown in parentheses. ^(c))reaction conducted in toluene, 80° C., 48 h ^(d))reaction conducted in CH2Cl2, 40° C., 40 h.

Referring to Table 1, by using the compound represented by Formula I as a catalyst, the thioesters may be synthesized without a thiol, activating agent and base, and the method for synthesizing of thioesters is a one-pot synthesis.

Further, referring to Example 21, by using the compound represented by Formula I as a catalyst, the thioesters may be synthesized by compound 6 and carboxylic acid compounds, without a thiol, activating agent and base.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to encompass within their scope of all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of synthesizing thioesters using a compound as a catalyst, the compound represented by Formula I below:

wherein R⁵ represents H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; X and Y each independently represents one of H, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl alcohol, thiohydroxy, carbonyl, sulfonyl, sulfamoyl, carbamoyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxycarbamoyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkylamino, C₁₋₁₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₁₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, ureido, amido and C₁₋₁₀ alkoxylcarbamoyl; and n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the method includes Reaction Scheme 1 shown below:

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is one group selected from the group consisting of H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and the catalyst in Reaction Scheme 1 is the compound represented by Formula I.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein molar ratio of compound 1:compound 2:compound 3:catalyst is 1-1.5:1-1.5:1-1.5:0.1-0.5.
 3. The method as in claim 1, wherein one or more substituents of the substituted alkyl, the substituted alkoxy, the substituted aryl, and the substituted heteroaryl is selected from the group consisting of: a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, a cyano, a nitro, a thiohydroxy, an amino, a carbonyl, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl, a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, a C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl alcohol, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylamino, C₁₋₂₀ alkylamido, C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbamoyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₄₋₉ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₉ heteroaryl, and C₄₋₉ heterocycloalkyl.
 4. The method as in claim 1, wherein R¹ represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R² represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R³ and R⁴ each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl. 